The American Indian Science & Engineering Society, affiliated with the engineering college at CU-Boulder, has received a 1997 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

The $10,000 award is funded through the National Science Foundation to recognize mentoring efforts and programs that increase the participation of under represented groups in science, math and engineering.

AISES is a Boulder-based national organization that has worked in conjunction with CU-Boulder for the last 15 years. It provides programs in math, science and engineering for American Indian students, including Alaskan students, from kindergarten through graduate school.

We offer Native American students a flashlight and road map so that they have opportunities to succeed in these fields, said Norbert Hill, executive director.

Programs include curriculum development, teacher training, career fairs, an annual science fair, traditional knowledge and the distribution of more than $500,000 a year in scholarships. The award will help fund the upcoming science fair.

AISES was one of nine organizations to receive the Presidential Awards, which were presented at a ceremony Sept. 12 in the White House Old Executive Office Building.

Our most valued reward comes in the form of American Indian college graduates. But its always nice to be recognized for what we so love to do, Hill said.